Sleeping Beauty Saturdays: things I would and wouldn't do at home.

Okay, now, if y'all know me, you know I'm cheap frugal, so if I can do it at home well, I'm doing it at home. Obviously, this could save you a lot of money in the long run, but if you overestimate your abilities, you could end up shelling out quite a bit. The important thing to remember is that you should only do what you're comfortable with, and if you think you can do it, ask around and research it first.

So, here's the things I would do at home:
• facial masks and microdermabrasion
• all over hair color {with salon dye, not box dyes. Box dyes are harsher for your hair, and it's actually a little cheaper and a lot more fun!}
• layering {IF you have straight, fine hair. Style Suzi has an excellent tutorial, and if I had straight hair, I'd probably do it myself. But curly hair is another story}
• everyday manis and pedis
• hair treatments {DIY hair treatments are typically healthier for your hair since they use natural ingredients, and are far cheaper. But if you're in the mood to feel pampered and you have some fun money, go for it!}

This may sound involved and really difficult, especially dying your own hair without pre-measured dye and developer (the white stuff), but it's actually pretty easy.
If someone wants a step by step tutorial on dying hair, leave a comment or email me and I'll be glad to post a simple tutorial. It's not as hard as you think, I promise!

And a list of things I would definitely not do at home:
• highlights, lowlights, layers, and regular trims {I'm confident with one color, but I'm definitely leaving the more advanced stuff to the pros. I'd also leave trims to the pros because I can't even braid my own hair, so there's no way I trust myself with a pair of scissors.}
• special occasion manis and pedis {the only event in which I can see myself doing this would be for my wedding, and that's nowhere near 'on the map'.}
• eyebrow waxing/shaping {I'm fine with plucking, but all it takes is one misplaced wax strip or an unsteady hand to make a HUGE mistake.}

Basically, a lot of services can be done yourself (hello Pinterest), but it's always wise to at least research what you're doing first. YouTube beauty gurus have awesome tutorials, and commenters can usually answer any questions the tutorial missed. Just be careful about where you get your information! Be sure it's confirmed by at least two other (reputable) websites before you start mixing or cutting.

Weight Loss Progress + Update

I've recently come back from Chicago. Among other things, it's a beautiful city with a diverse population, amazing architecture, and - more to the point - incredible food.
To be perfectly honest, I gained about 6 pounds over three or four days, and I was sorta kinda usually counting calories.

I know, I know, not all calories are created equal.

But the good thing is, I'm pretty much back to where I was before we left.
Actually, I may have lost some more, which is cool, because I really didn't think "confusing your metabolism" worked, but maybe it does.

From what I understand, confusing your metabolism is when you hit that plateau where you don't seem to lose any weight for a long time and you sorta binge once - not horribly - but enough to force your metabolism to work harder to burn it off, presumably torching a bit more than usual for a while, making you lose a little more and start on down the hill again.
I was never really sure that was a good idea, but I guess now I see it couldn't hurt.
But naturally, I'd have to try it again next time I hit that plateau...

Sleeping Beauty Saturdays: Mascara Review

I have to admit that I'm not much of a mascara junkie. I usually buy a tube, use it, and then buy another.
But I recently bought two: one that I thought I'd be impressed by and wasn't and the other that I was expecting to be pretty mediocre and was really impressed by.

The first was Nyx Za Za Zu Boudoir Mascara.

At first I thought I would really like the brush, but it didn't feel like the mascara would really transfer to my lashes. I was kind of irked, because I know beauty bloggers rave about Nyx products, and I'm partial to them myself. But I paid like $9 for this mascara - which is a lot for me - and I just really didn't care for it. Most times I used it, you couldn't even tell I was wearing any.
That being said, I really did like the brush. I feel like it was the formulation. Felt almost dry at times.

The second mascara I tried was the E.l.f. 3-1 Studio Mascara.

This was about $3, and when I opened it at home I was all, "Oh gosh, there's a tiny mace on the end of the wand" and was just a teeny bit intimidated.
I'm not a huge fan of putting spiky things near my eyes (heck, I can't even wear contacts), but the formulation really, really, really made up for the scary brush.
My lashes are longer, thicker, and extremely defined without looking fake or Barbie-doll-ish.
I've used e.l.f. products before, and I think I only had one "bad" experience, but you could get a dried eyeliner from anywhere, so really. But I was so impressed with this mascara, I really don't see myself buying anything different in the foreseeable future.

Weight Loss Progress + Update

So I had mentioned at some point that I was taking diet pills.
Just in case any of you are offended by the idea or something, I won't mention which brand or strength it was.

I lost about 5 pounds in a week when I was taking them regularly. That may sound really unhealthy, and had I not been working out and eating right, it probably would have been. As it was, I was eating and working out, so the weight was likely some fat, some water weight, and um... yep.

But, as with most things, you eventually plateau, and that leads to the temptation to overdo it.
You can overdo things like exercise, you know. Really, really not a good idea. Especially when it comes in a bottle.

To begin with, I was only taking 2/3 of a dose because I wanted to make it stretch. Well, that worked just fine. Had I upped the dosage, or - like I'm sure some people do - taken more than a dose, I'm sure I would have lost more weight, but I'm fairly certain that wouldn't have been a healthy way to do it.

Basically, the way I see weight loss supplements like that are to kind of give you a nudge. It's neither good nor bad, it's really just how you use them. The rest is up to you.

If you're curious or want a nudge and you want to know what it was I used, feel free to shoot me an email.

Weight Loss Progress + Update

Okay, I haven't done a post about exercise or anything for like a month.
Bad Alyse, bad, bad.
Honestly, the reasons I haven't are legitimate, but not worth mentioning. You can pretty much just assume I did nothing.
And that's the problem.

Work out buddies are seriously the best thing.
Last summer a coworker and I went to the gym after work almost every week day, and it paid off for both of us.
Unfortunately, college happened, and I got out of the habit of working out.

Enter le mama.

Lately, she's been inviting me to walk the bridge with her, something I used to do on my own, but because of injuries and a full schedule, I hadn't done it in months.
I've slimmed down almost immediately because, hey, I'm doing something instead of taking diet pills. (I'll talk about that at some point.)

But that just goes to show how beneficial having someone work out with you is. And if one of you - or both - is really competitive, you'll both try harder to beat each other.
Also, you'll have accountability for working out, and if you feel sick or get hurt, you're not out there alone.

But yeah, I'm pretty much back to where I started weight-wise, but I feel better and look better in my opinion, so I know I'm going in the right direction.

Sleeping Beauty Saturdays: 7 Tips for Longer Hair

I really regret cutting my hair off.

When I was a freshman in college, I decided to get an A-line bob. You know, those cute ones where your hair is longer in the front than in the back? It looked adorable, but it taught me a very valuable lesson:
If you have curly hair and don't like spending a ton of time on your hair in the morning, don't get a haircut that 1) requires a lot of maintenance and 2) kinda requires straight hair.

Anyhoo, my hair has never really recovered from that, even three years later.
I've tried lots of things to help it grow back longer and thicker, but obviously, I've learned more about what doesn't work than what does.
So here are my tips and some products that I think really work.

1. Don't wash your hair every day.
I know, it sounds gross, but even if you wash every other day, it's better for your hair. It allows for your natural oils to penetrate your hair, which makes it much healthier.
When you do wash your hair, you really only need to focus shampoo on your scalp and conditioner on your ends, which actually helps your product last longer in the end.

2. Scalp massages are good, but exercise is better.
People say scalp massages while washing your hair help improve circulation to your scalp, which I'm sure is true, but exercise improves circulation everywhere for longer, so it's best to double up. Go for a run then treat yourself in the shower with a scalp massage. ;)

3. Don't put your hair up in a tight hairstyle when it's wet.
I'm very guilty of this, and once in a while won't hurt, but hair actually swells when it's dry. Kinda backwards, I know, but when it's put up in a tight bun or something, when it dries, the hair swells, and it breaks.
(I went to a new stylist once who asked me if I was doing that, and that's what she told me.)
I pin my hair back once it's semi-dry, and that seems to be okay.

4. Use less heated styling products.
Heat is damaging, so flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers are slowly damaging your hair. If you must use them, use a heat protectant, and if you want to blow dry your hair, try the coolest setting.
The same holds true for hot water. Try to wash your hair with cooler water, maybe even cold if you can stand it.

5. Drink a lot of water.
Not only will this flush all of the gunk from your system, it'll add shine to your hair and moisturize it from the inside out.

6. Don't color your hair (or at least color it less).
The chemicals in hair dyes - even the professional ones - do damage your hair, though, yes, some are less damaging. I've been told that professional dyes are better for your hair than drugstore ones for pretty much the same reason fresh foods are better for you than shelf food: preservatives.
Plus, the peroxide in developers (the white stuff you pour the color into and mix up) is more tailored to what you actually need instead of a one size fits all amount that may be too much for you.
Coloring your hair every now and then isn't going to hurt, but don't overdo it. (Guilty.)

7. Don't be afraid to try products.
Be aware of what you're using, but only Nair is going to make your hair fall out, so as long as you're not using that, you're okay.
Here are some products that definitely worked for me:

• Lee Stafford's Hair Growth Treatment.
  I believe this product says to use an egg-sized amount and leave it on for about 5 minutes, but you can use about half that amount if you distribute it well. Also, the longer you can leave it on, the better. Probably best used every other day/wash or so.
• Not Your Mother's Way to Grow Shampoo and Conditioner.
  I know my hair grew faster when I used this shampoo and conditioner. I also noticed that less of it was shedding, which is always a plus.
  On a side note, I've never used the leave-in conditioner of the same line, but if anyone does, please let me know how it works for you!
• Mane 'N Tail Shampoo and Conditioner.
  Yes, it's horse shampoo. But yes, it really does work to keep your hair healthy and growing long. And, if you have a military ID at participating Walgreen's stores, you get 15% off, and they tend to be on sale for half off pretty often.
• Biotin.
  Biotin is a supplement, and you can take as much as you want, but I think 10,000mcg is the max it makes sense to take, as your body discards extra nutrients it can't use. It's also supposed to help your skin as well, so there's that little perk.

If you have any tips, or if you try any of these and they work for you, let me know!

Fixing Your Eyes

So I was running and walking the bridge this morning with my mom, and this is the first time I've run outside in maybe three months. Yeah...
But when I run on a treadmill, you're staring at a wall because you're not going anywhere. That tends to bore or bother some people, but I don't really care. But when you're actually running outside, you have to look somewhere.
And if matters where.

You shouldn't look down at your feet, because you'll go slower, and goodness knows what you might run into.
Some people look ahead and make different goals, like a light post or a sidewalk end, but then as soon as you get there -- or at least, as soon as I get there -- the urge to keep going kinda vanishes because it's like, okay, I made it.
But if you look as far ahead as you can, at the very end of whatever it is you're on, you run faster, and you run better.

Remind you of anything?
We're told to fix our eyes on Jesus and to run the race well. That means not setting our eyes on temporary goals, though goals are important. We're to look as far ahead as we can - to Jesus - and if we do that, we will run the race well.

Tall One and Short One Running

So this morning, I went to the gym with a friend of mine. She's taller than I am, even though I'm two years older. Like, I can wear 6 inch heels next to her in flats, and I'm still not eye to eye with her.
It's pretty sad.

Anyway, we did some strength training and then went upstairs to run on the treadmills.
I only ran a little because of my shins, but she ran a pretty good distance.
And that's why it's a good idea to go to the gym with a friend: you subconsciously (or totally consciously in our case) compete, so you push yourself harder, which is always good as long as you don't overdo it and hurt yourself.

But we're on the treadmills, and she's warming up with something I can only describe as a speed walk.
I have to trot / jog at the same speed.
I sprinted a little, and she told me afterwards that she had been afraid I was going to shoot off. (That has actually popped into my mind before. Thank you, Saturday morning cartoons.)
This tall person could comfortably jog at speeds I have to actually run at, and we just found this amusing as all get out.

And actually, while we're on the subject of treadmills, I have to say that I found myself wishing the incline function could tilt it downwards, though I do understand why that might not be such a hot idea. Same goes for the whole backwards walking thing, too.

Anyhoo, I've lost about 5 pounds, and now that school is over and I've got a manageable work schedule, I'm really looking forward to hitting the gym every day.
Except maybe the weekends, because . . . weekends.

Weight Loss Progress + Update

Good news: I fit into the bridesmaid dress!
Better news: there was room to spare!
Best news: I ran two days in a row!

Not so great news: now my shins are killing me.
However, I have discovered 2 very wonderful things: strap-on ice packs and adjustable shin/calf supports.
Running in the calf supports was beautiful. I barely hurt at all, and when I did, just walking helped.
Yes, I am perfectly aware of the (P)RICE formula.
I just don't want to R.
So, I'm following a modified "PICE" formula, which is basically just . . . ice.
Hey, don't judge.

I'm still lapping all y'all on the couch, so there.

Weight Loss Progress + Update

I am proud to say that I am FINALLY working out.
I am not proud to say that it's basically a physical cram session before one of my best friends' wedding this Saturday.
But hey, what can you do?

I've cut way back on my dairy intake and upped my protein as much as I can. I can see some results, but mostly I just want to fit into the dress I got taken in.

Another thing that I've progressed in is how fast I can sprint. I could've sworn I'd talked about treadmills elsewhere on my blog, but it appears I haven't, so I'll talk about them now.
I used to hate them and the entire concept because I was used to running outside, but I've been drenched one time too many to totally loathe treadmills now. And I used them a lot during my PE class this past semester.
They're actually pretty nice for quite a few things. Like if you're trying to do interval runs (which I love), they're perfect because that's actually a preset on most, but also because you can see your time and actual speed right there instead of guesstimating everything, which makes for a much more productive workout.
Also, if you're trying to improve your speed, you can train yourself much more easily. I mean, if you're out on the track or something, you don't know if you've improved until you're done. But on a treadmill, you can just up the speed.
This has been extremely useful for me: I've gotten better at running at a pretty good clip for longer distances and I've gotten to be a faster sprinter. This was two-fold: some people don't like treadmills because you're staring at the same thing for as long as you're running. I agree that that can be really boring after a while, but at the same time, you can trick yourself into running longer, because you don't actually know how far you've gone unless you look specifically for it. And I'll admit I'm a distracted runner - yay soundtracks! Great for motivation, not great for focus.
Secondly, if I can go faster, I will (energy and soundtrack allowing). The fastest I've ever gotten is 8.5 MPH, which is a pretty good clip for someone as short as me. (True story; two different people told me that I must've been really booking it because I'm so short. And I was; I was literally kicking my own bum.)

Anyhoo, the endorphins are back, and I'm hitting the gym a lot more now. Hopefully this will yield results before "bathing suit season". Not that I care, but I care.

A Realistic Self-Image :: Part Two :: The Numbers

Read Part One here.

So, I didn't post Thursday. Sorry. Uni and all that.

Anyhoo, to continue from my previous post:

- If you're trying to figure out if you should lose weight or not, don't go by the BMI scale. At least, not religiously. Do you know why the BMI scale was made? It was made by insurance companies so that they wouldn't have to pay out on claims because the insured would have been "underweight", "overweight", or "obese". Yeah. If a scale was designed to be wrong, don't break your neck trying to conform to it. I mean, I'm 5'1" and 167, last time I checked. That puts my BMI at 31.6. "Obese" is classified as anything above 30.
Umm, not to brag or anything, but I am not obese. I work out regularly, used to run at least 10k every week, eat right (most of the time), and I don't drink soda but once in a blue moon.
To be "normal", I'd have to lose about 40 pounds. Now, if I were to keep working out as I do, I might lose some weight - which I'm not saying I don't need to do - but I wouldn't lose 40+ pounds.
But, this brings me to my second point.

- You've probably heard this before, but the number on the scale isn't always an awesome judge of how fit and healthy you are. If you're really trying to judge your progress, body measurements give you a much better idea of it. My Fitness Pal has great measurement trackers if that's something you're interested in. Also, I've heard taking photos once a month help, too. I mean, yeah, you have a mirror, but you don't really notice differences when you see yourself all the time. That's why people whom you haven't seen in a while are all like "ZOMG you look so different!!!1!!" (Which is fine, by the way. Compliment people when they look different. But if they get the deer in the headlights look, you might be going a bit overboard.)

But yeah, the numbers really mean nothing in the long run. If you're healthy and confident, you're doing well. :)

Weight Loss Progress + Update

It's amazing what actually working out can do.
I've lost about five pounds this week alone because of aerobics.
I'm sore all over, but that's a good thing.
And yes, I've been eating.

It's what I've been eating that has made the difference.

I think I knew this, but I probably didn't: after you work out, you're supposed to eat carbs and protein within two hours afterward.
Why?
Because when you exercise, your body needs to break something down for energy, specifically something made of protein.
If you're up to date on your human biology, that should kind of scare you, because muscles are mostly protein.
When you eat, you're giving your body something to burn other than itself.
Eventually it does burn the fat, yeah, but you've gotta get it going.

You can really tell the difference.

A Realistic Self-Image :: Part One :: The Mirror

I'm sure a lot of us made New Year's Resolutions to lose some extra pounds.
I know I did.
But what do we really want?
To have a smaller number on the scale (which nobody knows but us), or to look slimmer?
If I were to be honest . . . it would have been the latter last year.

But not this year.

What changed?

My self-image.
How I see myself has changed, and for the better.
This is really hard to do, and took a while for me, but it's worth it.
And pretty simple.

Skinny does not necessarily equal healthy.
For some, it might, but not for everyone.

For years, I thought I'd have to be skinny to be healthy, or pretty, or anything, but now I see that's not the case.
Now, I'm not one to get my advice from Hollywood, but I kinda like Jennifer Lawrence as a person (and no, I haven't seen the Hunger Games, nor do I plan to).
This quote is from Pinterest, so if it's not really her, sorry, but it sounds like something she'd say.

In Hollywood, I’m obese. I’m considered a fat actress. I’m never going to starve myself for a part. I keep waiting for that one role to come along that scares me enough into dieting, and it just can’t happen. I’m invincible. I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss, so I’m going to skip dinner.’ That’s something that I was really conscious of during training. I was trying to get my body to look fit and strong, not thin and underfed.

Now that is a good mindset.
But think about it.
How many models, actresses, and normal girls look like they haven't eaten in days?
Too many, I think.
Seems like everyone thinks it's cooler to be thin.
Don't get me wrong; it's not bad to be thin - it's just . . . well, a bit overrated.

It would probably surprise you to learn that less than a hundred years ago, curvy girls were considered "more beautiful".
That's not entirely correct either, but do you know what makes everyone change their minds?
The media.
All of it.

Ever see some of those "plus size" models?
Ever notice how they look . . . well, normal?
Since when was that not attractive?
Since when was that weird?
Since when did preteen girls care about how many calories they had?

To say it's only the media's portrayal of weight and obesity would be a lie, but I'm only trying to make one point here, and you have to admit that that's certainly a large part of it.
Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is that even if you do lose all the weight you said you would, and even if you do fit into your high school jeans again . . . will you really, honestly be happy with yourself? Or will you never be slim enough or light enough?

God made you as you are for a reason.
Heck, maybe you're the way you are just to encourage someone like you who may struggle with the same thing. You never know.
And while you may not like it now, He does, and He doesn't make mistakes, nor is He ever mistaken.

I once heard someone (I think Chip Ingram, but I'm not sure) say that the trick is you have to think of yourself correctly: you shouldn't think of yourself too highly, but you shouldn't think of yourself too lowly, either.
Thinking of yourself too highly results in pride, arrogance, and a general sense of annoyance to everyone around you.
Thinking of yourself too lowly results in depression, bitterness, and a lack of joy, which will be felt by everyone you're around, believe me.
Thinking accurately about yourself allows you to 1) see what areas might need improvement and 2) see what's genuinely great about yourself.

So no, you may never fit into that size you wanted, or see the number you wanted when you step on the scale, or get picture perfect skin, or have hair that actually does what you want it to, but you're still made in the image of God, and as long as you're taking care of your temple, you're beautiful, even when you don't feel like you are.

Part Two coming soon!

Weight Loss Progress + Update

So.
I've actually gained weight.
Like, 8 pounds, which actually puts me over what I started at.
I had to run out the door this morning so I didn't weigh, but I did about 2 days ago, and I was about 164.
Irksome, but I lost about 3 inches all over, so . . . yeah, I dunno.

I did run some this past weekend. . .
I did change my diet a bit more. . .
And I have been drinking more water. . .
But still.

I think once I actually get the time to just exercise on a daily basis, the pounds will actually start coming off.
Not like I care about the number, but it's nice to see progress everywhere.

So let's just celebrate the 3 inches with some bacon! (True story.)

Sleeping Beauty Saturday: Favorite Foundations

I'll be honest, I don't usually wear foundation.
Even if I wear eye makeup and do my brows, I just don't really do anything else, because I really treasure sleep at this stage in my life.
Like, really treasure sleep.

Anyhoo, when I do wear foundation, I have two favorites that I use for different occasions.

When I actually try to look sort of flawless (gave up on that a few years ago), I use the L'Oréal Magic Nude Liquid Powder.
I use the absolute lightest shade in the winter, and the second lightest shade the rest of the year and for photos.
It's actually really nice for oily skin, because it dries absolutely matte, and that in itself is really cool.
It sounds like water in the jar, and it's extremely liquidy.
They recommend not using a sponge (definitely wouldn't do that) or a brush, though I suppose that if you worked quickly enough, it might be okay.
(If you go the brush route, I'd suggest using a large stippling brush, because anything else would really soak up the product, I think.)
It feels incredibly smooth and looks pretty darn flawless after it dries, which is really neat in my humble opinion.
For instance, I'll be using this tonight for the USCB University Chorus performance with the Duke Symphony Orchestra.

For an everyday look, I use the Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup.
It's meant for oily, acne-prone skin, and while I really don't have too much trouble with acne, I have crazy oily skin, so it's really nice for that, though I've found that the few breakouts I did have happen less now, which is awesome.
I just apply this with my fingers, but a stippling brush would probably be better, I just don't have a large one.
It dries pretty matte, but looks natural enough that I could probably wear my shade (I think the second or third lightest one) all year round, though a more moisturizing foundation would probably be better for winter, being that the air (and your skin) is generally drier.
This would tend to dry out your skin if you have a dry to normal skin type, though I actually prefer dry skin to a grease vat from Five Guys . . . just sayin'.

Bottom line: 5/5 stars for both products.

Disclaimer: I have not been paid or asked to write this review.
Products reviewed are either given to me as a gift or bought with my own money.
Reviews are simply my opinions and not influenced by any outside factors.

Weight Loss Progress + Update

I can honestly say that I've probably worked out more these past two weeks than I have for a long time, even with the PE classes I'm taking.
I walked and ran (mostly ran) the entirety plus some of the Lady's Island Bridge.
That ended up being about 5.1 miles.
Oh yes, I was rather proud of myself.
I'd really like to try the Twilight Run this Saturday, but I'll be at a concert (performing with a chorus) and I don't know when the Twilight Run starts.
Naturally.

Either way, there's been a weight gain, but no inches gained, so I guess I'm still on the right track.
Not seeing a difference on the scale isn't really discouraging, though, it's just getting to be really annoying.

Also, I've remembered the DIY body wraps I found on Pinterest a while ago.
I know it sounds gimmicky, but if you do it every 3 days or so with Vitamin E oil or whatnot or lotion with CoQ10, you will see a difference. It's tough to do during the spring and summer, because it's already so hot and then you add the saran wrap and lotion and layers and oof.
You're literally sweating out water weight, and then your skin absorbs the oil or lotion. The saran wrap and bandages (if you use them) sort of acts as a mold for your skin to take, I suppose. That's why I suggest only doing it every 3-4 days or so, because you're going to have water weight no matter what.
Unless you don't drink water at all, which isn't a very bright idea.
Speaking of drinking water, you should drink a ton of water all the time, but especially before and after you do the wrap.

It worked for me, did it work for you?

Sleeping Beauty Saturday: My Nighttime Routine

Everyone's heard that you should wash your face before you go to bed, to get the makeup off.
Yes, that's true, but there's a lot more you can do at night that might actually improve your skin to where you don't need to wear as much makeup, or even none at all.

First, a few wee factoids:
- It takes a little less than 30 seconds for something like a moisturizer, a mask, or makeup to absorb into your skin.
- Your pores (and hair follicles) open both at night, and in warm water.
- While warm water opens pores and hair follicles, cold water closes them.

So, what to do with this information?
- If you're going to use a hair mask or treatment, it's best to use it overnight, since your follicles will open and absorb the nutrients better.
- When you wash your hair, wash your scalp in warm to luke-warm water. This will allow the nutrients to cleanse and penetrate your scalp and roots. When you use conditioner, rinse it in cool to cold water. This will lock in the conditioner.
- Also, if you can, get a filtered showerhead, because while water is filtered, not everything can be filtered out at the plant. The things that can't be filtered end up in your open pores and follicles. Yeah. Ew.
- If you're going to use a deep moisturizer, a serum, or a vitamin treatment, you're likely better off using it at night, because your pores will open and it will absorb faster. That, and you won't have to walk around with globby stuff on your face all day.

Now here's what I (try to) do every night:
- I wash my face and use a toner. *I'm only using the toner until I run out; after that, I plan to use witch hazel. My toner is starting to hurt my vitiligo scars, and witch hazel is more natural. (Remember the 30 second rule I mentioned earlier.)
- I use a gel moisturizer and e.l.f.'s under eye . . . stuff. (I cannot for the life of me think of the word for it, but I think it works pretty well.)
- I take a 10,000mg biotin, because I'm trying to grow my hair out. (It also does wonders for your skin, too.)
- Another thing that helps your body even more is being well hydrated. I try to drink about 2 liters of water a day, but clearly that's not always going to happen.

In the morning, I can tell that my skin is firmer, brighter, and just looks healthier.

What's your nighttime routine?
Let me know if you try any of these and if they work for you!

Weight Loss Update + Progress + CUPCAKES

You all may be pleased (or ambivalent) to learn that I survived the week!
Yay!
That was a big deal for me.
Presenting wasn't so bad . . . the Q&A was what really scared me, but everyone was really nice at my panel, so there were no worries there.
And honestly, the really only eventful thing that happened happened Saturday, after the Gala. It requires a backstory, though.

So Friday, two of my friends were presenting. Unfortunately, they were presenting at the same time, so I just bounced from one room to the other. Afterwards, we went to grab something to eat, and on the way back to the parking garage (we took one car), we passed this cupcake shop that one of them immediately started fangirling over. They bought cupcakes and macaroons, and before we left this other woman comes out of the back with a broken macaroon in the flavor I'd been eyeballing and says "This one broke, so we can't sell it; does anyone want it?" Jess and Nicole both turned and looked at me, and I must've looked like a 5 year old at Christmas because I was like "Yes plEASE."
I think I know what manna tasted like now. It tastes like "rich butter and vanilla". I knew I should never have heard those words.
(This place is called Mabel's Cupcake Emporium, by the way. GO THERE.)
Anyway, Saturday, after the Gala dinner, I was craving a cupcake and a gazillion macaroons because. . . .

Although I gained 8 pounds, I actually LOST ABOUT 4 INCHES.
I'm not absolutely sure how I swung that, but I'm not arguing. I actually went on a 2.8 mile run Saturday morning because I wanted to go by Mabel's on the way home. I literally planned on exercising and eating healthy for the whole day just so I could do that.

Well.
Here's what happened, as told by myself to my friend.

I nyoomed down to the bottom floor of the parking garage (parking at night, or Saturday night, or maybe just because there was a party or something [turns out St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah start on March 1st] was 5 whole dollars, ew) and I took the elevator up -- that was fun! I couldn't remember for the life of me where Mabel's was, so I went right out of the building (I took a right -- remember that, that's important). I walked around for like 20 minutes before coming to this place claiming to be Mabel's. It weren't the Mabel's they took me to, so I'm like "Crap, I REALLY wanted a cupcake and a few . . . dozen macaroons." So. I walk back to the parking garage, and I come in through the garden/alley type thing in the front -- that's important, too. So I'm standing there with like 30 other people waiting for the elevator (I think only one of the two was working) and I happen to look up at what's to the LEFT of the parking garage: MABEL'S. I had looked it up on Facebook, and they closed at 5, and it was like 10 at this point, but someone's inside and the lights are on, right? So I break out of the mob/line, head over and the door's locked. The woman who was there the day before, though, saw me and opened the door. She's like "Hey, we're closed, but did you want some stuff before I put it away?" and I'm like "Please!" So I got all 3 leftover Mabel flavored macaroons and a Mabel flavored cupcake and went back to the elevator and rode it straight down to the 4th floor, and drove home a happy girl. I also happened to polish off 2 of the 3 macaroons before I even made it to the Tallmadge Bridge, so I was a very happy girl.

A very happy girl who doesn't care about the scale and only cares about the measuring tape now although the measuring tape recently informed me that I'm not 5 foot 2 inches like I thought I'm actually 5 foot 1 inch but hey I'm a forgiving person I can get past that.

A Fall Tutorial to Usher in Spring

Normally, I would say that I'm feeling lazy, but I'm not feeling lazy.
I'm feeling rather "I must study for this bio exam Tuesday; and I must edit my essay to be read in 15 minutes or less and it must sound right and I must reread the novel as well as the articles I referenced; and I must complete a writing exercise for one of my internships; and speaking of exercise I just ran 2.25 miles in almost 30 minutes (which is pretty fast for me)", so in lieu of our scheduled programming today, I bring you this adorable makeup tutorial.
I would suggest that you turn your speakers down, because this girl does not have any problems with projection, but she's actually pretty good . . . and she's got better quality stuff than most people I know, so. . . yeah.
Enjoy!

You can click to watch it here since Blogger's giving me fits. Sorry!

Weight Loss Update + Progress

Welp, I went for a run Saturday.
I really enjoyed the run.
. . . Until I was finished.
Oh my gosh I was so sore it wasn't even funny.
I think I landed on my left ankle oddly a few times and I did something to my right hip.
I would imagine that running on a road with a pretty noticeable slant was to blame for that.
Needless to say, my thighs and calves were hurting so badly Sunday, yesterday, and today that I couldn't go to my gym class (which was actually disappointing).

I haven't weighed myself religiously, but I'm fairly sure I've lost a few inches here and there.
I know since I changed my diet I've had a lot more energy.
I just really need to focus on working out routinely and drinking as much water as I used to, because I feel like water would help with allergies a bit and I can sense that this is going to be one brutal spring. . .
Water also helps clear up the skin, and I really need that, because I've got this . . . puffy, pink bruise-looking thing under my eye, and I'm kinda sick of looking like I poked myself with something.